Professional Physical Therapy - June 2020

Professional Physical Therapy - June 2020

JUNE 2020

620 Old West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 • 508-528-6100 • www.ProPTinc.com

JUMPING INWITH BOTH FEET

How We’ve Adapted in a Changing World

Like many businesses, so much has changed so quickly for Professional Physical Therapy. We’ve learned and grown so much throughout this entire process, and it’s helped us see the light at the end of the tunnel. We’ve also had such amazing support from our patients that we’re now heading in directions we never could have imagined just a few short months ago. Most predominantly, we’ve learned just how quickly we can adapt our business when needed, and that’s been a thrill to learn. Before the pandemic, many physical therapy practices had no intention of implementing telehealth services because insurance companies made the process incredibly difficult. These companies didn’t see its value, so they set up roadblocks that made it difficult for patients to receive affordable care via telehealth. But with COVID-19, the insurance companies have relaxed their systems and thinking, and they’re beginning to see how beneficial it can truly be to everyone involved in the process. We’re excited about the future of telehealth, and we intend to keep offering it to those patients who want to continue using it. “Just run with it” has sort of become our temporary motto throughout this journey. It’s been a great learning experience to see how quickly we can pivot, and telehealth is a perfect example of that. Had we decided to try and implement the system during a more “normal” time, the process would have taken us months. There would have been drawn out research, planning, tests, and adjustments, but because of this emergent situation, we didn’t have that luxury. Instead, we got the system up and running in a matter of weeks rather than months. It floors me to think about it that way, but I realize it’s because we’ve had open minds. The world we live in went from being black and white to being gray. When things change drastically, people want black and white answers. They want to know what’s going on, how they’re affected, and when it’s going to end. They want the reassurance that complete clarity provides. But right now, we have to realize we’re in a gray world. Things change daily, and we just have to figure out how to change with them. Jump in and let the stream carry you, and when you’re in it, that’s when you can start figuring out how to manipulate the water to your advantage.

water with us. We’ve had volunteers make face masks and patients bring in breakfast to feed our busy staff, and we’ve received so many messages of thanks and appreciation via social media. These are the things that help us find the motivation to keep doing what we do every single day. We’re so thankful for everyone who’s shown us their appreciation. It means the world to us. There are so many things we can all learn from these strange and changing times. I’ve learned that I can survive without a haircut for far longer than I thought possible. I’ve also learned that I’m not so easily embarrassed — accidentally wearing your fuzzy slippers to the gas station paves the way for discovering a lot about yourself. So let’s keep learning as much as we can. Let’s learn from those

around us and from our choices, mistakes, and triumphs. Let’s learn to thrive in the gray world we live in instead of sitting around and waiting for black and white.

We wouldn’t be here, managing through our own gray world, without the people who’ve shown us their support along the way and jumped into the

– Dr . Stacey Raybuck Schatz

Professional Physical Therapy | 508-528-6100 • 1

Feeling Renewed at Any Age 2 Ways to Revive Your Life This Summer

With this better understanding, you can make choices more aligned with your true interests and personality. Think about getting involved with a new activity you may have always wanted to try but never had the chance, like yoga or even a video game. Trying out new things keeps your brain active. You may even discover a new favorite activity along the way! PAY ATTENTIONTO MENTAL HEALTH. Although more years provide more experience and knowledge, sometimes they also come with heavy baggage. The loss of a loved one, trauma, and other struggles can impact your life in later years. This is why it’s good to practice mindfulness. Take some time to focus on the present. Go for a walk and listen to the world around you, feel the fresh air against your skin, fill your lungs, and take in everything you can see. Meditation is also a good way to spend a few minutes to focus on your body in the moment and the things in life that make you happy. Practices like these can help you feel lighter, both physically and emotionally.

If the mercurial spring weather has prevented you from getting out as much as you would have liked these past few months, you might be feeling a bit of cabin fever about now. Luckily, you can still introduce positive changes to your life that help you feel healthier and younger. Here are two ways to awaken your body and mind. ADOPT A NEW ACTIVITY. As you get older, it’s not uncommon to drift further from the lifestyle you had in your 20s and 30s. Things have settled down, and you know a bit more about who you are, what you enjoy, and what you’re capable of.

Growing older doesn’t mean you can’t feel renewed and positive. This isn’t just an impossible idea — it’s a reality.

Patients

“I became involved with the Greater Boston Food Bank through my place of work over two years ago. My family has also volunteered throughout all of that time! I have witnessed the great work the Greater Boston Food Bank does while helping those in need in our own communities.” –Brian GBFB is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England and among the largest food banks in the country. They are committed to increasing their food distribution to provide three meals a day to every person in need in eastern Massachusetts while supporting healthy lives and healthy communities.

Brian was selected as patient of the month in recognition of his unwavering optimism! Throughout his rehabilitation after his ACL reconstruction, he focused on his improvements and the progress he was making toward returning to his normal level of abilities. He also shared encouraging words for others in their rehab, a smile, or a funny story to lift others around him. Thanks, Brian! “I picked the Alzheimer’s Association as my charity because both of my grandmothers were afflicted with this disease. It was difficult to watch their minds waste away as they forgot everything, including their loved ones.” –Craig The Alzheimer’s Association aims to end the disease by “accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.” Craig has been to our clinic a few times over the years and has always been a pleasure to work with. Craig is making great progress with his current case and has been able to work toward accomplishing his goals. He was an easy choice for patient of the month, and as his current case is winding down, we will certainly miss him. Thanks, Craig!

of the Month

BRIAN MCNULTY GREATER BOSTON FOOD BANK CRAIG ST. AMAND ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

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BIANNUAL LASER SALE 50% OFF LASER PACKAGES PURCHASED IN JUNE Some lasers make rock concerts cool and sci-fi movies fun. Others engrave your favorite jewelry or drive your cat up the wall. But at Professional Physical Therapy, we use these incredible tools to help patients treat their pain like never before. Lasers have changed the future of physical therapy, and we want you to step into that future with us. For the entire month of June, we’re offering 50% OFF LASER PACKAGES , as well as FREE INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS for those interested in learning if laser therapy is right for them.

FLIP THIS PAGE OVER TO LEARN MORE

The LightForce Class IV Deep Tissue Medical Therapy Laser is one of the greatest advances in recent therapy history. It naturally stimulates cell growth to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and speed up recovery. If you haven’t tried it for yourself, it’s time to see what the future of therapy looks like. CALL US TODAY TO LEARN MORE.

Professional Physical Therapy 620 Old West Central Street Franklin, MA 02038 (508) 528-6100

Don’t Call the Portion Police 4 Easy Ways to Manage Your Food Intake

to follow is that half your plate should be veggies, a quarter of your plate should be high-quality protein like poultry or fish, and a quarter of your plate should be complex carbs, like whole grains or starchy vegetables. STARTWITHWATER. Up to 30 minutes before every meal, drink 16 ounces of water. Filling up on water makes you feel less hungry and naturally aids in portion control. Being well hydrated also helps you distinguish between hunger and thirst, both of which can manifest similarly to each other, leading our brains to often misinterpret what our body needs. SLOW DOWN. Eating quickly makes you less aware of when you’re getting full. It takes the human brain about 20 minutes to register that the stomach is full after eating, so slowing down the speed at which you eat can reduce your intake. Take smaller bites and chew mouthfuls at least five times before swallowing. It’s also been shown that people who eat slower tend to enjoy their meals more!

Getting portion sizes exactly right is difficult under the most normal of circumstances, not to mention when you’re at home for extended periods of time and doing more cooking from scratch or facing boredom. However, improper portion control is one of the leading causes of weight gain, making perfecting your portions a great way to keep your health in check.

USE SMALLER DINNERWARE. Studies have suggested that the sizes of plates, glasses, and cutlery unconsciously influence how much food we eat. Large plates can make food look smaller, which means we put more food on the plate, thus overeating. Try swapping your extra-large plates and bowls for medium or small ones to reduce the food you eat during each meal.

LETYOUR PLATE BEYOUR GUIDE. If measuring or weighing your food isn’t appealing, try using your plate as a measurement tool for a well-balanced meal. The general rule of thumb

SUCCESS STORIES

Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes

Ingredients

• • • •

2 tbsp olive oil 1 clove garlic

1/4 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves

•

• •

8 Roma tomatoes

1/2 tsp salt

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz each)

3/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Directions 1. For marinade: In blender, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, vinegar, and basil. Cut 2 tomatoes into quarters and add to mixture. Cover and process until blended. Halve remaining tomatoes for grilling. 2. In bowl, combine chicken and 2/3 cup marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Reserve remaining marinade. 3. Heat grill to about 350–400 F. Lightly oil grates. Grill chicken until internal temperature reads 165 F, about 4–6 minutes per side. Grill tomatoes until lightly browned, about 2–4 minutes per side. Discard remaining marinade. 4. Serve chicken and tomatoes with reserved marinade.

“I came to Dr. Patt with pain in my lower back that extended through my hips and down both legs. I was unable to get out of bed or stand from a sitting position without pain. Dr. Patt prescribed treatment with exercises and strengthening, and with the guidance from all the staff, I am free from pain

today. I am thankful to everyone here.” –Geri Mangone

Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

Professional Physical Therapy | 508-528-6100 • 3

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

www.ProPTinc.com 620 Old West Central Street Franklin, MA 02038 508-528-6100

Thank you for being part of the Professional Physical Therapy family!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Some Changes Are Here to Stay How to Feel Renewed at Any Age Patients of the Month 4 Tactics for Healthy Portion Control Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes Help Local Nonprofits in Challenging Times

THE BEST WAYS TO HELP LOCAL NONPROFITS IN CHALLENGING TIMES

Over the past several months, families, businesses, and nonprofits have had to navigate life in this challenging “new normal,” and it can be hard to support your favorite nonprofits when times are tough. Here are a few ways you can help these important entities, even when you don’t have resources to spare right now. DONATE While many people donate generously during the holiday season, remember that nonprofits need donations throughout the year, and different nonprofits need different things. A monetary donation can often go a long way, but never feel obligated to give money, especially when your budget may be tight. Instead, consider cleaning out your closet. What clothes, shoes, or other accessories can you part with? What about dishware or small appliances? When you clean out your home and donate unused items, you benefit those in the community who need them most. VOLUNTEER In a time of social distancing, volunteering may be discouraged, but nonprofits still need volunteers to operate. The good news is that many nonprofits need volunteers for positions that maintain social distance, such as driving. Food banks and kitchens need drivers to pick up donations or ingredients from donors and to deliver food to people in need, such as the elderly or those with disabilities.

ADVOCATE Even if you don’t have time or resources to give, you can become an advocate for important causes around your community. While it might not seem like much, sharing information about local nonprofits on social media can make a genuine difference. Nonprofits need exposure, which is greatly boosted through community support. Sharing useful information about nonprofits — or sharing their posts — increases their visibility so more people will take action.

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